Tensions Rise at Seven Mile Beach: A Stabbing Incident Unfolds

In a shocking turn of events at the picturesque Seven Mile Public Beach, a Caymanian man, Romell Millwood, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of wounding Jamaican vendor Marco Green. The incident, which took place in April last year, has sparked conversations about safety and illegal vending on the island.

The Incident: A Day at the Beach

On that fateful day, Green had returned to the beach to assist a friend with selling drinks and jerk chicken. Despite having received warnings from local authorities about illegal vending, he was determined to help out. “I just wanted to support my friend,” Green shared during his testimony via video link from Jamaica, where he relocated shortly after the assault.

However, things took a dark turn when Millwood approached him. “Local vendors don’t want any Jamaicans selling on the beach,” Millwood allegedly warned. Green tried to walk away, but Millwood confronted him again, leading to a violent altercation.

A Harrowing Account

Green recounted the terrifying moments that followed. “He threatened me before stabbing me in the back,” he said, visibly shaken as he recalled the attack. He described how he was stabbed multiple times—with wounds to his arm, face, and scalp—using a camouflage knife with a six-inch blade. “I ran towards the sea to get away,” he added, noting that despite the crowded beach, no one intervened.

His friend quickly rushed him to the hospital as he drifted in and out of consciousness. Green received treatment for significant blood loss and multiple wounds requiring stitches but was released the same evening. “I was just grateful to be alive,” he reflected.

Millwood’s Defense

In stark contrast, Millwood maintains his innocence. He claims he was in West Bay doing yard work at the time of the incident and hasn’t visited Seven Mile Beach since before the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’ve never worked as a vendor there,” he stated firmly. Under the advice of his attorney, he opted for a “no comment” interview with the police and only revealed his alibi during the trial.

The Bigger Picture

This case unfolds against a backdrop of growing concerns about illegal vending at Seven Mile Public Beach. With cruise ship passengers flocking to the area during weekdays, tensions between local vendors and those from abroad have escalated. Many locals feel protective of their turf, leading to confrontations like the one involving Green and Millwood.

Public sentiment is mixed. Some residents express sympathy for Green, emphasizing the need for safety and respect among vendors. “We need to look out for each other, regardless of where we come from,” one local remarked. Others, however, argue that illegal vending disrupts the local economy and should be strictly regulated.

A Trial to Remember

As the trial continues, Millwood has opted for a judge-alone trial, which adds another layer of intrigue to this unfolding drama. With emotions running high and the community divided, many are left wondering: What will be the outcome of this case, and how will it impact the future of vending at Seven Mile Beach?

As the courtroom drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the vibrant culture of the Cayman Islands is at a crossroads, and the resolution of this case may set important precedents for the future.